How to Write a Custom OpenClaw Skill

# skill.md has these sections:
# ---
# name: my-custom-skill
# version: 1.0.0
# description: What this skill does
# author: your-name
# permissions:
#   - filesystem:read
#   - network:outbound
# triggers:
#   - command: /myskill
#   - pattern: "when I say X do Y"
# ---
#
# ## Instructions
# Detailed instructions for the AI on how to use this skill

mkdir -p ~/.openclaw/skills/my-custom-skill
touch ~/.openclaw/skills/my-custom-skill/skill.md

# In skill.md, start with YAML frontmatter:
---
name: daily-standup
version: 1.0.0
description: Collects standup updates from team members and posts a summary
author: your-name
permissions:
  - filesystem:read
  - filesystem:write
triggers:
  - command: /standup
  - schedule: "0 9 * * 1-5"  # 9 AM weekdays
---

# Below the frontmatter, write clear instructions:

## Instructions

You are a standup facilitator. When triggered:

1. Ask each team member (from the team list) three questions:
   - What did you accomplish yesterday?
   - What are you working on today?
   - Any blockers?

2. Compile responses into a formatted summary
3. Save the summary to ./standups/YYYY-MM-DD.md
4. Post the summary to the configured channel

## Team List
- Alice (frontend)
- Bob (backend)
- Carol (design)

## Output Format
Use this markdown template for summaries:
...

# For skills that need code execution:
mkdir -p ~/.openclaw/skills/my-custom-skill/scripts

# Create a helper script:
cat > ~/.openclaw/skills/my-custom-skill/scripts/format-standup.js << 'EOF'
export function formatStandup(responses) {
  return responses.map(r =>
    `### ${r.name} (${r.role})\n` +
    `**Yesterday:** ${r.yesterday}\n` +
    `**Today:** ${r.today}\n` +
    `**Blockers:** ${r.blockers || 'None'}\n`
  ).join('\n');
}
EOF

# Restart OpenClaw to load the new skill:
npm restart

# Test via the command trigger:
# In your OpenClaw chat, type: /standup

# Check logs for errors:
tail -f ~/.openclaw/logs/skills.log | grep daily-standup

# Common debugging steps:

# 1. Check skill loaded correctly:
curl http://localhost:3000/api/skills

# 2. Check skill logs:
grep "daily-standup" ~/.openclaw/logs/skills.log

# 3. Test permissions:
# Try actions that require each declared permission
# and verify they work